Astranis

Astranis is an aerospace company based in San Francisco that designs, builds, and operates small geostationary satellites to provide dedicated broadband internet and high capacity connectivity to underserved global regions. Operating on a turnkey bandwidth as a service model, the enterprise leases dedicated satellite capacity to regional telecommunications providers, internet service providers, and government agencies for steady recurring revenue. The company employs approximately 500 people and has secured over $750 million in total venture funding, recently closing a $200 million Series D round that established an $887 million valuation. Astranis has generated a commercial backlog of over $1 billion in satellite services sold, serving prominent aerospace and defense customers such as the Space Force and NASA. Backed by major institutional investors including Andreessen Horowitz, BlackRock, and Fidelity, the organization was founded in 2015 by John Gedmark and Ryan McLinko.

High-Level Overview

Astranis is a pioneering satellite technology company building advanced, small-scale satellites for high Earth orbits—specifically geostationary (GEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). Its flagship product, the MicroGEO platform, delivers dedicated, secure, and scalable broadband connectivity to regions underserved by terrestrial infrastructure. Unlike traditional large GEO satellites or massive LEO constellations, Astranis focuses on smaller, agile, radiation-tolerant satellites that can be rapidly deployed and tailored for specific regional or government needs. The company serves telecom providers, governments, and defense agencies, solving the problem of connectivity gaps in remote and challenging environments while also supporting mission-critical applications like secure communications and resilient GPS. With over 10 satellites on contract, more than $1 billion in services sold, and a growing manufacturing and operational footprint, Astranis is experiencing strong momentum as it scales its next-generation Omega satellites and expands its government and commercial partnerships.

Origin Story

Founded in 2015 by John Gedmark, Ryan McLinko, and John Finney, Astranis emerged from a recognition that the satellite industry was stuck in a binary: massive, expensive GEO satellites or sprawling, capital-intensive LEO constellations. The founders, with backgrounds in aerospace engineering and space policy, saw an opportunity to bridge the gap by developing smaller, more cost-effective satellites capable of operating in the harsh radiation environment of high orbits. Early traction came from securing contracts with governments and telecom providers, and pivotal moments included the successful launch and operation of its first MicroGEO satellites and partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Space Force. The company’s ability to rapidly iterate and deploy satellites—backed by advanced simulation and digital processing—set it apart from legacy players and positioned it as a leader in the new wave of space infrastructure.

Core Differentiators

• MicroGEO Platform: Small, radiation-tolerant satellites for high orbits, enabling faster production, lower launch costs, and targeted regional coverage.
• Dedicated Bandwidth: Unlike traditional shared-satellite models, Astranis offers dedicated capacity, reducing congestion and improving service quality.
• Dual-Use Technology: Satellites support both commercial broadband and government/defense applications, including secure communications and resilient GPS.
• Advanced Software-Defined Radio: Enables dynamic frequency changes, anti-jamming capabilities, and flexible mission profiles.
• Rapid Deployment: Partnerships with in-space mobility providers (like Impulse Space) allow for faster, more cost-effective satellite injection into GEO.
• Scalable Manufacturing: In-house production and testing capabilities support rapid scaling and technology iteration.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Astranis is riding the trend of democratizing space-based connectivity, addressing the global digital divide and the growing demand for secure, resilient communications infrastructure. The timing is critical as governments and enterprises seek alternatives to vulnerable terrestrial networks and legacy satellite systems. Market forces—such as the rise of remote work, the expansion of IoT, and the need for secure military communications—are working in Astranis’s favor. By making high-orbit satellite services more accessible and affordable, Astranis is influencing the broader ecosystem, enabling new business models and empowering underserved regions with reliable internet access. Its work also supports national security and scientific missions, positioning it at the intersection of commercial innovation and public good.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Astranis is poised for continued growth as it rolls out its next-generation Omega satellites and expands its footprint in both commercial and government markets. The company’s ability to innovate rapidly and adapt to evolving customer needs will be key as the space economy matures. Trends like the increasing demand for secure, low-latency connectivity and the push for resilient infrastructure will shape Astranis’s journey. Its influence is likely to grow as it sets new standards for satellite design and deployment, potentially reshaping how the world thinks about space-based services. Just as Astranis redefined what’s possible for high-orbit satellites, its future may redefine the boundaries of global connectivity.